In the Shadow of the Angel

Ikon

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 16, 1996)
• Original Release Date: February 16, 1996
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Metropolis Records
• ASIN: B000005OQ5
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #22,164 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Death In June + Joy Division = Death In Joy, January 10, 2002

By	Scott Sweet "Music Freak" (Colorado Springs, CO) - See all my reviews

This is a classic example of an efficient dark pop album. Michael Carrodus' vocals have an Ian Curtis appeal and fit the songs well. The lyrics and keyboards keep the whole thing firmly ensconced in eighties new wave/goth. Half of these songs would do well on college radio.

Their cover of Death In June's "Fall Apart" breathes new life into the song. "Black Roses" strikes the best balance among my-woman-is-heartless lyrics, 80s-era synth drums, and Mission UK melodies. "Suicide" is the standout mood piece, slow and dirgy though the singing and lyrics are weak. If you haven't eaten a bullet after that song, "Love Is Colder Than Death" is actually a pretty peppy tune.

After Carrodus left to seek new heights of obscurity, Ikon went in a more electronic direction. "In The Shadow of The Angel" is a good introduction, and a solid "B" in goth pop.

5.0 out of 5 stars In the Shadow of..., March 18, 2008

By	Some Kind of Stranger (Gloucester, UK) - See all my reviews

When I first heard this album, my impression was that it was just another gothic rock band trying to emulate The Sisters of Mercy. I found it average in every way at the time, but with each subsequent listen, I found myself liking "In the Shadow of the Angel" more. Now that I think about it, it's not that surprising; That's how it progressed for me with Nosferatu, and even The Sisters.

Anyway, the album is immensely catchy all the way, starting with the sacrilegious opener "Condemnation", and carrying right into "Lord of Darkness", whose chorus "As I walk into the darkness, I turn and walk away" will be hammering through your brain for days on end. The same can be said for "Hallowed Ground". Next is the angst-ridden "Secrets Within" which bares a nice touch of emotion. "Black Roses" is a definite favorite of the album (which is saying something, because they're all great); it could easily become a goth club anthem. The album progresses quite nicely, and tracks flow together perfectly. Ikon managed to keep plenty of variety between each song, while keeping their signature sound present. While the band do bear a similarity to the Sisters of Mercy (what goth band doesn't anyway?), it's not near as bad as I once thought. They draw from them as influences, but have far evolved with it. It's what they add to the tired old sound that makes the music such a breath of fresh air.

5.0 out of 5 stars Journey Down A Darker Path, December 7, 2005

By	Michael Vincent (CA) - See all my reviews

This album represents Ikon as they finally crafted skill, both musically and atmospherically. The songs shimmer with warmth and coldness. One will find many images come to mind durring the listening and soul enhancement.
Jangly Guitars, Pounding Drums, Driving Bass, along with a Deep Resonating Voice--everything goth music is defined by(worry not this album is techno free!). Nice mid-tempos to set the mood. Everything here is crisp and polished.
The lyrics are a tad on the simplistic side, but Michael Alliani gets to the point with ruthless vindication and focus, straight to the heart of the matter...